Press Release

21.07.11

The Government of Slovenia recognises the Libyan National Transitional Council

Ljubljana – The Government of the Republic of Slovenia decided that Slovenia would recognise the Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) as a legitimate representative of the Libyan people until an interim government is established in a post-Gaddafi Libya. State Secretary Dragoljuba Benčina will present the decision at the general hospital in Benghazi, when she presents the hospital with Slovenia’s humanitarian aid in the form of medicine and medical supplies valued at 26,000 euros.

Slovenia has been monitoring the role of the NTC in the development of the Libyan conflict, particularly in terms of the protection of the population and meeting humanitarian, social, economic and administrative needs. The NTC’s plan for Libya’s transition to democracy - which was presented at the meeting of the Contact Group for Libya in Istanbul on 15 July - is a good basis for the future construction of a democratic Libya.

The NTC has also expressed determination to establish a wide-reaching and inclusive political process in pursuit of national reconciliation. We expect that in the course of their work, the NTC will avoid retaliatory measures and violations of human rights, including attacks on civilians. On the basis of what the NTC has done so far, Slovenia sees it as a credible and legitimate representative of the democratic tendencies of the Libyan people that has sufficient human resources and organisational skills to launch a political process in post-Gaddafi Libya.

Slovenia is striving for the continuation of political dialogue and strengthening of bilateral contacts with the NTC. By recognising the legitimacy of the NTC, Slovenia will contribute to increasing the international political pressure on Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to resign immediately and enable the construction of a new and democratic Libya.

The recognition of the NTC’s legitimacy will strengthen its internal political position. With added support, the NTC will be capable of more successfully leading an integrated political process until the formation of an interim coalition government, which will make way for constitutional changes and free and democratic parliamentary and presidential elections. Recognising the political legitimacy of NTC increases the possibility of making available funds held on foreign accounts by the Libyan government which have been frozen, and strengthening the financial position of the NTC, which will enable further resistance to the Gaddafi regime. Therefore, Slovenia has decided to recognise NTC as a legitimate representative of the Libyan people until the formation of an interim government in post-Gaddafi Libya.